Published Feb 6, 2014
MrMango
30 Posts
Hello everyone. I graduated in May 2013 and I've taken my NCLEX-RN twice now, first time in October 2013 and the second time last month, January 2014. I've failed both times, the first time in 75 questions, the second time in 87. I took Kaplan's review (twice) and I really thought it was quite helpful and thought I learned some great strategies, but I am still unlicensed.
A lot of my peers that I graduated with are already working as nurses and I feel like I'm really starting to fall behind. I'm totally demoralized and I am lacking confidence after failing twice. I was so sure I was going to pass the last time.
Anyways I must must MUST pass my third time. I can't afford not to. My issue.... I don't know how. I feel like I'm really weak in content (thus why Kaplan only brought me so far). I'm looking into Hurst, as I've read a lot of positive feedback, as well as coupling it with NCSBN's review on learningext.com.
In truth, I really don't know what to do. I appreciate all well wishes, prayers, advice, feedback, and stories. Thank you!
paradios2014
75 Posts
Hey, I am in same the boat...I totally recommend Hurst as your content, it has helped a great deal..I know I should of passed last time..I took it twice as well..I used kaplan the first and Hurst/ncsbn and many others...I was near passing in all and 3 above (no below level)..I know I just need to work on my weakness which is sata and strategy..We can do it!!..don't give up:)
dclcnur
39 Posts
I'd like to recommend to you Saunder's. I personally used Saunders 5th edition to review for the board. I took it last December and passed on my 1st attempt. I followed the reading calendar that the CD generates for you after taking the assessment. It has a six week schedule but took me 2 full months to finish. I answered 100 random questions from the CD each day as well. It was surprising how much more I learned after reading the entire book. Give it a try! :)
TexasRN09
7 Posts
Hello,
I would like to say that do not lose hope. I have taken NCLEX already and didn't pass the first time. I passed it the second time. I see that you have taken Kaplan and didn't help you. Try taking Hurst Review or NCSBN. In my opinion, Kaplan helped me a lot. I did an online class. Hurst review is also great. It has lectures and it helped me also.
I can understand how difficult it must have been for you. But do not lose hope. You can definitely do it :) Look at where you are weak at and review those topics. Practicing questions helped me a lot. I practiced over 200 questions a day and would review Pharm everyday. Pharmacology was my weakest area so I decided to review it everyday.
Hope this helps. Remember, just stay positive :)
Thanks for all the advice. Unfortunately, there's no Live Hurst Reviews in my area, just the online, which I'm still considering. Also looking into buying the NCLEX Exam Cram book. I read some reviews on Amazon that spoke highly of it.
Hurst online is what I took..the only thing they don't cover all the diseases but make sure to have other book as a reference...Good luck!..:)
diamond_girl, BSN, RN
95 Posts
I recommend Saunders as well. I used Hurst online, Kaplan in class, Saunders, and PDA. I passed on my first try with 78 questions. I honestly feel like Hurst helped the least. They just cover broad topics. Saunders really helped me with content review. If you haven't done PDA I also recommend that. It really helped me feel comfortable with priority, delegation, and assignment questions (which was a huge part of my exam).
ChazzW
161 Posts
Mr. Mango, I understand how you feel. I was embarrassed when I failed. My mistake was telling everyone when I was taking the exam. When I took a Live Hurst Review, the instructor said do not tell anyone when you are taking your Exam. She said only tell anyone after you have passed. She further said the worst thing that happens you do not pass & take it again in 45 days. This last time I took it on Sat., Feb. 1, 2014, I told no one. I took it in a facility next to the hotel where the NFL Super Bowl players were staying. Funny, it was so many cops around that area. I had to explain to police I was there for an exam LOL!! Anyway, b/c no one knew, I had no pressure & I went into the exam carefree not worrying about a future RN job or anything. Thus, approximately 75 questions later & 2 hrs later I was back at my car, checking the pearson vue trick and when I saw that POP UP, I jumped out my car & yelled in an empty parking lot "I am a RN." haha. Everyone was SHOCKED, when I told them I had passed :)
Some tips for you:
during my exam, i read each question twice & sometimes on the SATA, i selected my options & meditated & made sure those options were applicable to the question & made sense, without any doubting.
further, please remember this NCLEX is a critical thinking and safety examination. if you think safety throughout the whole exam, this will help you, because if you come across a topic or situation you do not know with facts, you can then use your critical thinking skills to arrive at the safest option.
go into the exam relaxed, with no worries in the world. take your time with each question & make sure your option answers the question the best out of all the available options. always think safety. Sata (read each option as a true/false statement, if false, ignore it, if it does not makes sense, ignore it. Go get your RN license. It is waiting for you. Much success.
feofeo
49 Posts
Don't lose hope I know it's easy to say it, I am in the same boat, I am taking mine on March which is going to be my 2nd try and hopefully the last. Just do your best and God will do the rest.
tanirhm
2 Posts
Try Hurst review. I graduated in October 2013, took the NCLEX for the first time in December with just using Kaplan and didn't pass. Signed up for Hurst Review after being recommended to it. I just took the NCLEX again yesterday and found out I passed today via the hotline :) Wish you all the best!
noreasontogiveup
5 Posts
hi! i am in the same boat.Just like you, i feel so right when i got out from the testing site, and it when i got the result, i just cried.i fail again -_-
i failed twice and im planning to retake it again it feels soo bad.
but i need to be positive again and prepare for it..
im reading a lot of threads like this, reading every comments and
trying to take all the advices.. It helps me to feel good in some way,
knowing that i dont have to give up and i should try and try and try it again..
Just like what they are saying, maybe we all have our right timing. its like
right time, right reason and just keep the faith. keep on praying we can do this!
graysunday
17 Posts
Have you looked into ATI tutor? You work one on one with a nurse. It's what I used and think it helped a lot.
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